As Kat Von D and Paris Hilton open up about the abuse that they suffered at Provo Canyon School, I feel it is important that our community speaks up as well. I am active in the recovery community in Salt Lake City, and I have heard multiple people tell gruesome stories of the time they spent in Provo Canyon School. These individuals were children with some minor behavioral issues. They left Provo Canyon School worse than when they went in, eventually turning to substance use and attempted suicides.
As a concerned citizen, it is my duty to call upon Utah County District Attorney David Leavitt or Gov. Gary Herbert to open an investigation into Provo Canyon School. With substance abuse and suicide rates high in Utah, it is imperative that we are taking measures to ensure the safety of children that are at high risk. These children need empathetic professional help that is based on evidence-based treatment therapies, not to be physically and psychologically abused.
I would also like to urge anyone that has suffered abuse or knows someone that has suffered abuse at Provo Canyon School to speak up; do not remain silent. Call David Leavitt or Gov. Herbert. Your voice matters.
Rusti Jo Stalliviere, Millcreek